Comments Thread For: Ali-Frazier Fight Was Watched Live By Estimated 300 Million Worldwide 50 Years Ago Today

[BIGPOPPAPUMP]

"The Fight of the Century" was such an enormous event, it was watched by approximately 300 million people when the global population was slightly half of what it is today. According to an ESPN documentary commemorating the 50th anniversary of the first fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, roughly 300 million viewers watched that legendary heavyweight battle live in at least 50 countries worldwide. The look back, "ESPN Presents: Muhammad Ali/Joe Frazier 50th Anniversary Special," debuted Sunday night on ESPN.
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[Ray*]

No one would come to those sort of numbers in a long time.

[Marchegiano]

That's because it was no where near 100 for the ppv. Boxing has become an ******* sport. For ******* by *******s.


****ing hell man. ass holes, the stars is ass-holes

[Greenfield02]

No one would come to those sort of numbers in a long time.

Numbers are impressive, Keep in mind back in those days there 3 total channels, and also this was world wide. Mayweather vs Pac did 90 million world wide viewership, Canelo vs Mayweather, 55 million, Canelo vs GGG 40 million. It's not 300 million but pretty good considering there's 500 thousand channels and apps.

[Monty Fisto]

Numbers are impressive, Keep in mind back in those days there 3 total channels, and also this was world wide. Mayweather vs Pac did 90 million world wide viewership, Canelo vs Mayweather, 55 million, Canelo vs GGG 40 million. It's not 300 million but pretty good considering there's 500 thousand channels and apps.

There were fewer channels back then, but also half as many people on the planet. The viewing figures were huge, though I suspect the 27.5m cited for the UK over-eggs it a bit. The BFI has the number as 21.1 million.

[thack]

Will probably stay the greatest fight of all time .These two took over the world for one night. Two unbeaten fighters who both went on to prove greatness in their own right....Makes the hairs at the back of my neck rise ...even now!!!!

[DougalDylan]

.. back when US heavyweights ruled the world they could draw a crowd anywhere and would fight anyone actual world champions.

[Liondw]

Brilliant numbers, far more people than the number that saw Mayweather & Pacquiao, and other big heavyweight clashes such as Lewis-Tyson, Holyfield-Tyson II and Bowe- Holyfield.

Back then; the best fought the best, without much squabbling about different networks and promoters and all that nonsense that we have today, as well as many fighters now don't want to fight the best opposition.

[sicko]

Boxing today, 600-800K Views are considered "Solid to Good Ratings" in this ERA. The World use to STOP for big boxing matches/super fights. Now I question if Boxing will ever break 1 Million PPV Buys (here in America)...a legit 1 Million Buys and not numbers that are embellished to make a Promotion and Network look good

I remember Trinidad vs Whittaker doing a 16.5 Rating on HBO which is just insane! HBO was in far less homes at that time compared to now

[Larry the boss]

It was an epic event